After finally winning an NBA championship, Dirk Nowitzki(notes) is on top of the NBA world. But for all the attention he's getting in America, Dirk is not surprisingly much more popular in his homeland of Germany. If Dirk is just a basketball superstar hero here, then he's a national hero there. Or at least as much of one as can exist in a country that has a complicated relationship with nationalist fervor.

So, upon his return to his hometown of Wurzburg, Dirk was feted with a citywide parade and celebration. He rode around in a convertible, waved to the fans, and even addressed the crowd on a balcony like some kind of basketballular pope. Oh, and he also didn't wear sleeves, because they restrict the arms of a champion.